Practical Advise
Uprent detects too many scams. The high-risk platforms are Facebook and Marktplaats. Platforms where only real estate agencies can post listings or where listings undergo verification, such as Pararius, Funda, HousingAnywhere, or Kamernet, are generally safe(r). Scammers mostly target expats, international students and temporary workers — they’re unfamiliar with local practices and are in stress of securing a house.
How to Spot a Scam
Suspiciously Low Prices: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Moving to WhatsApp: Be wary if ‘landlord’ quickly wants to switch communication to WhatsApp after initial contact.
Low-Quality, Misleading Photos: Watch out for beautiful yet poor-quality images that seem out of place or feature non-Dutch characteristics (e.g., British electrical sockets).
Refusal to Conduct (an online) Viewings: Be cautious if someone demands a down payment before you've seen the house.
Reluctance to Put Things in Writing: Scammers often prefer calls to avoid leaving a paper trail.
No/Lack of Documentation Requests: Legitimate landlords will ask for documents, like your IDs, income confirmation, and other.
Poor Language Use: Scammers might use broken English or overly formal language to sound more convincing.
Requests for Payment through AirBnB: A common scam tactic.
Involvement of Third Parties: Claims of a "friend" handling the process should raise red flags.
Upfront Fees: You shouldn’t be asked to pay any fees before renting.
Illegal Practices by Real Estate Agents
Double Charging: This occurs when a real estate agent charges both the landlord and the tenant. Dutch law explicitly states that an agent can charge a fee only to one party involved in the transaction. Even if an agent advertises someone's property (without actually charging the landlord), they are not permitted to charge the tenant any further.
Some agents might attempt to charge tenants for additional services like "consultation" or "guidance." These fees are illegal if the agent is already being compensated by the landlord to find a tenant for the property.
High Deposits: The maximum legal deposit in the Netherlands is three months' rent. Anything higher is illegal.
Always Verify with a Viewing Before Payment
It's essential to understand the importance of viewing the property either in person or through a video tour before making any payment. Scammers often lure victims by refusing or making excuses to avoid showing the property. Remember, a legitimate landlord or agent will always be willing to showcase the property to ensure it meets your expectations and to build trust in the transaction. Always insist on a viewing, and if that's not possible, request an online video tour over WhatsApp to clearly see the property's condition and specific features. This step is non-negotiable and a key practice to protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent listings.